Unwieldy: meaning, definitions and examples

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unwieldy

[ʌnˈwiːldi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

difficult to handle

Difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight. Awkward and clumsy in use or handling. Not easily controlled or managed.

Synonyms

awkward, bulky, cumbersome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unwieldy	Refers to something that is difficult to handle, move, or use because of its size, shape, or weight. The new sofa was too unwieldy to carry through the narrow doorway
bulky	Describes something that takes up a lot of space and is often inconvenient or cumbersome due to its size. He prefers not to carry a bulky backpack while traveling
awkward	Used when something or someone is clumsy and creates discomfort or embarrassment in social situations. It can also refer to objects that are difficult to handle or use efficiently. The conversation about politics became quite awkward at the family dinner
cumbersome	Implies that something is large, heavy, and difficult to manage or use. It often gives a sense of inefficiency or inconvenience. The old printing press was too cumbersome to operate efficiently

Examples of usage

It's hard to maneuver the unwieldy package through the narrow doorway.
She struggled with the unwieldy umbrella in the strong wind.
The unwieldy bureaucracy made it difficult to get anything done efficiently.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Old English word 'wieldan', which means 'to control, manage, or wield'.
The prefix 'un-' indicates the opposite, so 'unwieldy' means not manageable.

Historical Usage

The term has been used since the 14th century to describe objects that are hard to handle due to their size or shape.
In historical texts, it often referred to large weaponry or machinery that was difficult for soldiers to manage.

Modern Context

In contemporary usage, it can describe anything from physical objects to complex systems or bureaucracies that are hard to navigate.
In technology, people often refer to software that is complicated or clunky as 'unwieldy'.

Literature

Authors often use the term to describe characters or ideas that are overwhelming or too much to handle in a narrative.
The phrase often appears in metaphors to depict emotional struggles or social issues that feel cumbersome.

Psychology

When applied in psychology, the term can relate to feelings of being overwhelmed by responsibilities or decisions, illustrating mental burdens.
Therapeutic discussions may involve 'unwieldy' emotions that are difficult to deal with, indicating a need for coping strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "unwieldy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desajeitado

🇮🇳 भारी

🇩🇪 unhandlich

🇮🇩 sulit diatur

🇺🇦 незграбний

🇵🇱 nieporęczny

🇯🇵 扱いにくい

🇫🇷 encombrant

🇪🇸 incómodo

🇹🇷 hantal

🇰🇷 다루기 힘든

🇸🇦 ضخم

🇨🇿 nepohodlný

🇸🇰 nepohodlný

🇨🇳 笨重

🇸🇮 neroden

🇮🇸 óþjált

🇰🇿 қолайсыз

🇬🇪 უხერხული

🇦🇿 narahat

🇲🇽 incómodo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,826, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18823 stepwise
18824 sprout
18825 appointee
18826 unwieldy
18827 misinterpreted
18828 gable
18829 poliomyelitis
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